[Correlation between respiratory tract symptoms in young children and NO2 concentration of outside air]

Abstract

The aim of a one year study was to ascertain whether air pollution measured as NO2-concentration has an measurable influence on the health of infants in Switzerland. Measurements of NO2-concentration were carried out by means of passive collectors in ambient air, living room and at the child itself. The results of 1225 children printed to a significant coherence between respiratory symptoms per day and child and the NO2 load of ambient air as an guide pollutant. Even in consideration of other childish, familiar and environmental factors the coherence remains. Although no causal relation thereby proved this factor supports the observation of parents and physicians that children more often fall ill of respiratory diseases in polluted air being in accordance with similar investigations abroad.